Pizza Patrón signs first ground lease, debuts new prototype

Jan. 22, 2014

Pizza Patrón announced that is has signed its first ever ground lease. The company is estimating a 60-day construction process before it unveils the new freestanding prototype. Company executives are keeping the address under wraps until the new restaurant's opening which is anticipated to be sometime around the beginning of April.

The new freestanding prototype is being developed as part of a comprehensive effort to increase awareness of the 28-year-old brand in every market where it has an established presence, Antonio Swad, Pizza Patrón's founder, said in a press release.

The site will utilize construction techniques such as pre-engineered roof trusses that integrate the parapet wall on the roof so that all mechanical rooftop equipment will be concealed. The 1,200-square-foot building will feature Pizza Patrón's iconic yellow arched facade and color scheme.

The building will also have two service points including a colorful lobby and a drive-up window. The clear span interior and simple shell exterior will allow for evolution of the model, including any future equipment changes, the release said.

"This new store model is a giant leap in the development of the Pizza Patron brand," said Swad. "We are not just moving along, but moving ahead and capitalizing on the momentum we have going. Because of this store's higher profile in the community and convenient service points, we anticipate higher sales as a result. The sales will more than offset the additional cost."

The company expects to grow its store presence by 30 percent this year, mostly in its existing Texas markets of Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley.